South Carolina's “Move Over” law

Sunday, June 1, 2014

The Mount Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) would like to remind the motoring public about the “Emergency Scenes” law that was designed to protect emergency workers along the roadways of South Carolina.

South Carolina Law 56-5-1538 states that an emergency scene is “a location designated by the potential need to provide emergency medical care.” It is identified by emergency vehicles with flashing lights, rescue equipment or emergency personnel on scene.

“This law is designed to protect all emergency workers as they provide aid to those that need it,” said Mount Pleasant Traffic Sergeant Kim Herring. “When approaching one of these scenes, a motorist should slow down and attempt to change lanes away from the emergency workers.”

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety released these tips for motorists approaching a temporary work zone or an emergency scene:

Keep their vehicle under control

Proceed with due caution

Significantly reduce vehicle speed

Change lanes if at all possible to allow room for responders to work safely

Maintain safe speed for road conditions if changing lanes is impossible or unsafe.

The fine for violating 56-5-1538 is $1,067.50.

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